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Iran says activating thousands of advanced centrifuges in response to IAEA resolution

By
IFP Media Wire
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Iran nuclear program

The top diplomat made the remarks to his Spanish counterpart J​osé Manuel Albares Bueno on the sidelines of a meeting of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in the city of Cascais in southwestern Portugal on Tuesday.

Araghchi stressed that the retaliatory measure was to come in reaction to the UK, France, and Germany’s forwarding the United States-backed resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Board of Governors and the body’s adoption of the resolution, which took place on Thursday.

He considered the European trio’s policy towards the Islamic Republic to be “confrontational and meddlesome,” calling the approach unjustifiable and unconstructive.

The official urged that various regional and international matters, such as the Iranian nuclear energy program, rather be treated realistically and in line with the international law.

The United States and its European allies have been taking numerous similar measures against Iran in line with their accusation against the Islamic Republic of insufficient cooperation with the IAEA, although Tehran’s cooperation with the body has increased in frequency and quality over the past years.

Resorting to legitimate reprisal, Iran has already activated a number of its advanced centrifuges in reaction to the recently adopted resolution.

The Islamic Republic has, however, repeatedly announced that it was prepared to retrace its retaliatory steps in response to positive attitude and measures on the part of the agency and the Western countries.

Hundreds of European financial groups deal with firms linked to Israeli settlements: NGOs

By
IFP Media Wire
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Israeli settlement

Israeli settlement activity has expanded by a record amount and some settlers hope US President-elect Donald Trump will help them fulfill a dream of imposing sovereignty over the area seen by Palestinians as the heart of a future state.

Rising settler violence has led to US sanctions and some companies have said they would stop business in the occupied West Bank.

In total, 822 financial institutions this year have relationships with 58 firms “actively involved” in Israeli settlements versus 776 in 2023, The Don’t Buy into Occupation, coalition report said. They called for heightened scrutiny and, if necessary, for divestments.

“The indication is that things are going the wrong way,” said Andrew Preston, with Norwegian People’s Aid, which is one of the 25 European and Palestinian civil society groups which conducted the research.

“In our view, European financial institutions should be urgently reassessing their approach to companies involved in the illegal occupation,” he told the Geneva Press Club where the report was presented.

The West Bank is a kidney-shaped region about 100 km (60 miles) long and 50 km (30 miles) wide that has been at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since it was captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.

Most countries consider the area as occupied territory and deem the settlements illegal under international law, a position upheld by the UN’s top court in July.
Among the European firms listed were top banks including BNP Paribas and HSBC, the report added.
The 58 partner firms include heavy machinery maker Caterpillar Inc. and travel sites Booking.com and Expedia, according to the report.

Booking.com previously announced it updated its guidelines to give customers more information to make informed decisions about disputed and conflict-affected areas. Expedia has said its accommodations are clearly identified as Israeli settlement located in Palestinian territory.

Many, but not all, of the 58 companies in the report are also listed in a UN database of companies doing business with Israeli settlements. Some financial firms have divested from firms linked to Israeli settlements in recent years, the report added, including Norway’s pension fund KLP.

Regional, global peace impossible without end to Israeli occupation: Iran’s FM

By
IFP Media Wire
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Abbas Araghchi

Addressing the 10th session of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal, Araghchi referred to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, strongly criticizing the inaction of international institutions during fourteen months of continuous crimes by the Zionist regime.

“The crimes of the Zionist regime have put the international community to a serious test.”

The Iranian foreign minister said international institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court “have failed to fulfill their fundamental responsibilities in the face of serious violations of international law and human rights.”

He stated that the international community needs to take immediate and collective action to stop the “colonial and racist” Zionist plan.

He warned that the Zionist regime has sought to annihilate the Palestinian nation for several decades, and the Gaza genocide is just another stage in a long history of genocidal actions against Palestinians.

“Without practical and decisive action to hold the Zionist regime accountable and curb its rebellious actions, the credibility and respect of the United Nations and its high values will not be preserved.”

The Iranian minister also pointed to the responsibility of the supporters of the Zionist regime for the crimes committed by the regime and emphasized that the United States and other countries that provide military and political support to this regime must be held accountable.

Araghchi also called for the full implementation of the provisional orders of the ICJ regarding the prevention of genocide against the Palestinian people and the immediate execution of the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The diplomat condemned the Israeli leaders’ long-term misuse of the concept of anti-Semitism to silence any criticism and protest against Israel’s warmongering and aggressive policies.

Zarif: IAEA resolution against Iran lacks legal basis

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Javad Zarif

Zarif made the remarks in an interview with IRNA news agency, saying, “Europe and the US are not in a position to make demands and must be held accountable for their actions.”

The reaction comes on the heels of negotiations between Iran and Europe on various topics including the nuclear issue, which are set to start on Friday.

The former top nuclear negotiator stated any new agreement must be based on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which he hailed “as one of the most significant diplomatic achievements globally” that involved extensive work by Iran, the US, Europe, Russia, and China.

Zarif called on the EU to abandon its “superiority complex,” stressing the need for balance and equality in negotiations to reach an agreement.

He reminded that Iran has not left the JCPOA and remains committed to it, while the US has withdrawn from the deal and violated its commitments under the accord.

The Iranian vice president reiterated that no party benefited from the JCPOA’s violation and emphasized that Iran is ready to continue to uphold its commitments but expects compensation for the damages caused by sanctions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turkey says deported Uzbeks suspected of killing an Israeli rabbi in UAE

By
IFP Media Wire
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The Turkish security sources, speaking to Middle East Eye on the condition of anonymity, said the operation had been initiated at the request of the UAE government.

Rabbi Kogan, who had been managing a kosher market in Dubai since 2020, was killed on Saturday in what UAE authorities described as a pre-meditated attack. Following the incident, investigations revealed that the suspects – identified as Alimbay Tahirovic, 28; Mahmudcan Abdurrahim, 28; and Azizbek Kamilovic, 33 – had fled the UAE after the alleged killing.

Their movements were traced to Turkey, prompting Emirati officials to request assistance from Ankara.

The Turkish National Intelligence Agency apprehended the individuals after tracking their flight to Istanbul in coordination with the Turkish police. The operation was kept under the radar to avoid suspicion among the individuals.

According to the same sources, security forces detained the suspects in a taxi during a routine traffic check and confirmed their identities.

Following their arrests, the suspects were swiftly extradited to the UAE to face charges for the killing of Kogan, the sources noted.

“The Republic of Turkey will continue its sensitive work to ensure that no criminals are housed within its borders as part of the fight against terrorism,” one of the security sources added.

Emirati authorities announced on Sunday that three individuals had been arrested in connection with Kogan’s death, and they had begun a legal process to charge the individuals.

The UAE’s foreign ministry thanked Turkey in a statement on Tuesday for its cooperation on the matter.

Israeli officials, speaking to the media, initially blamed Turkey for the killing because the suspects had fled there. However, they later changed their statements, saying that they suspected the Uzbek nationals were guns for hire by unknown parties and, therefore, were not able to declare their connection or motive for the killing.

Turkish-Israeli relations have been on a downward spiral since the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. The subsequent war on Gaza, which has been described as a genocide, pushed Ankara to impose a trade embargo against Tel Aviv in May and join an International Court of Justice case against Israel for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Iran welcomes end of Israel’s aggression in Lebanon, reaffirms support for govt., people, resistance

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Baqaei highlighted Iran’s longstanding position on the necessity of an immediate halt to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. He detailed Iran’s extensive diplomatic efforts over the past 14 months to achieve the goal.

According to Baqaei, the Zionist regime’s warmongering and crimes, carried out by the comprehensive support of the US and some European countries, have resulted in the martyrdom of 60,000 innocent people, injuries to 120,000, the displacement of over 3.5 million oppressed people in Palestine and Lebanon, and the widespread destruction of vital infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

The spokesperson also cited the interim orders issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to stop genocide and the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for the Zionist regime’s leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He noted that public opinion in the world, which has called for an end to the war and genocide over the past 14 months, is now awaiting the prosecution and punishment of the occupying regime’s criminals.

Baqaei emphasized the international community’s responsibility to protect peace and stability in West Asia and to exert effective pressure on the aggressor Zionist regime to cease the war against Gaza.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at 4am local time in Lebanon (02:00 GMT) amid hopes the truce will bring a permanent end to Israeli attacks on Lebanese towns and cities, and stop more than a year of fighting in southern part of the Middle Eastern country.

In Lebanon, at least 3,823 people have been killed and 15,859 wounded in Israeli attacks since the war on the Gaza Strip began October last year.

Ceasefire begins in Lebanon after months of hostilities

By
IFP Media Wire
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Lebanon War

The ceasefire began at 4am local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday amid concerns about whether the truce would hold and lead to the permanent end of fighting between Israel’s military and Hezbollah fighters.

“The fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end… This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities,” Biden said when announcing the agreement on Tuesday night.

“Civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes, their schools, their farms, their businesses and their very lives,” Biden added.

Hezbollah, which did not participate in any direct talks on the ceasefire – with Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri mediating on the group’s behalf – has yet to formally comment.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he told Biden that he welcomed the deal to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also told the US president that his government had approved the truce and that he appreciated his “understanding that Israel will maintain its freedom of action in enforcing it”, his office announced.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel will “gradually withdraw” its forces from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days, and the Lebanese Army and state security forces would deploy to the territory.

Biden released a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasising that both countries “will work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure this arrangement is fully implemented and enforced”.

The US and France also committed “to lead and support international efforts for capacity-building of the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as economic development throughout Lebanon to advance stability and prosperity in the region”.

Lebanon began striking Israel on October 8, 2023, in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Cross-border attacks persisted for months. Then, at the start of last month, Israel invaded southern Lebanon.

At least 3,768 Lebanese have been killed and 15,699 wounded since the fighting began.

Ahead of the anticipated ceasefire, Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon continued to rage on Tuesday, with Israeli warplanes pounding Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The ceasefire announcement comes in the waning days of Biden’s term. US Republican President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20.

Economy minister says Iran’s rise in new world order promotes active role in global affairs

By
IFP Media Wire
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Abdolnasser Hemmati

Abdolnaser Hemmati made the remarks during his speech at the 28th World Investment Conference of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, by forming a national unity government within the country and strengthening its position in international forums—such as officially joining of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, as well as [fostering] close cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union and neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf—has consistently pursued to lay the groundwork for joint collaboration,” he stressed.

Hemmati added that the unequal growth in emerging and advanced economies, rising trade tensions, and the slowdown of global supply chains have become fundamental issues for all governments, stressing, however, that amid these challenges, unprecedented opportunities have also emerged.

“Iran’s economy, which enjoys abundant natural, mineral, and energy resources, a young and educated population, an exceptional geopolitical position, and an extensive network of economic infrastructure, possesses tremendous potential to address these challenges and make use of such opportunities,” Iran’s minister further stressed.

Addressing the issue of Western sanctions against Iran, Hemmati warned that “economic sanctions are not only harmful to Iran” as their political and economic impacts have also extended to “the entire regional and global economy.”

Running November 25-27, the WAIPA’s conference, which themed “Future-ready IPAs: Navigating Digital Disruption and Sustainable Growth”, is hosted by the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority.

Ministers, leaders from investment promotion agencies, corporations, multilateral institutions and other stakeholders have attended the conference to discuss global investment trends and opportunities.

Iran Air ready to resume flights to Lebanon after ceasefire

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran Files Complaint against Int’l Airports Refusing to Fuel Aircraft

Hessam Ghorbanali emphasized that any decisions will align with the policies and laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“If a ceasefire is declared in Lebanon, we are fully prepared to restart flights to Beirut,” he stated, adding that Iran Air, as a state-owned company, operates based on decisions made at the national level and remains committed to serving the public.

Ghorbanali reaffirmed that Iran Air’s fleet is ready to operate flights to Lebanon, adhering to international regulations and directives issued by the Iranian government.

He also noted that before the suspension, Iran Air operated weekly flights to Beirut.

Currently, the airline maintains flights to destinations in the Persian Gulf region, India, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and other international locations. Ghorbanali emphasized Iran Air’s dedication to continuing its mission under government guidance, ensuring the safety and reliability of its operations in compliance with global aviation standards.

Over 50% of Americans oppose military aid for Ukraine: Survey

By
IFP Media Wire
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Western Weapons Russia Ukraine War

While 49% of the respondents said the military support should continue, 51% were against it, underscoring the persistent divide in the US society on the matter.

The survey came at the heels of Donald Trump’s election victory, which sparked concerns about the US withdrawing its crucial support for Ukraine.

Ukraine initially enjoyed bipartisan support in the US at the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, but a part of the Republican Party has grown increasingly reluctant as the war progressed.

The Republican-led House of Representatives delayed for months the approval of a $61 billion aid bill earlier this year, directly contributing to Ukraine’s battlefield setbacks and underscoring how vital US support is for Kyiv.

Responding to a question on “how much priority should (Trump) put on developing policies and plans to try to limit aid to Ukraine”, 33% deemed it to be a high priority, 36% a medium priority, and 31% said it was not a priority at all.

The survey involved a bipartisan pool of 2,232 respondents and was carried out between Nov. 19 and 22.

In an earlier poll published by Pew Research in July, 48% of respondents said that the US has a responsibility to aid Ukraine, while 49% said it does not. Democratic and Democratic-leaning respondents were more likely to give a positive answer.

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